Australian seniors skipping oral healthcare

THE Australian Dental Association (ADA) has found the dental health of seniors is declining across the nation.

The findings from its annual study revealed more than half of Australian’s over the age of 65 delayed seeking dental treatment with affordability being the main reason.

ADA president Dr Chris Sanzaro said the findings provided a clear picture of what’s happening to thousands of Australians.

“They can’t get to the dentist regularly because they can’t afford it and so their mouths become a battleground of pain and infection management.

“Some end up in the emergency departments – the ADA has found that 16,000 seniors were admitted to hospital for treatment of painful dental issues in 2022-23.

“That figure is expected to rise to 22,630 by 2027-28, representing at 42 per cent increase form an already unacceptable level. It’s a health trend that worsens by the year.”

The annual study included 25,000 people and also discovered 47 per cent of respondents in the over 65 age group had debilitating oral issues compared to 36 per cent of the rest of the community.

The need for a dental benefits scheme was also highlighted in the survey’s findings.

“With 76 per cent of Australians supporting the introduction of a seniors dental scheme, it clearly demonstrates the groundswell of public opinion supporting our Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule,” Dr Sanzaro said.

“If that’s not clear proof that most Australians are behind the seniors’ scheme and want to see it put into action, then nothing is.”

While the over 65 population is avoiding the dentist, so are the number of people across all age groups, dropping by almost 20 per cent since 2011.

Another reason people are staying away is the fear an unexpected issue may arise during a checkup, which may result in an unaffordable treatment.